With the Amy Winehouse public meltdown continuing in daily tabloid-sized chunks, 17-year-old Australian Gabriella Cilmi (pronounced Chill-me) may be just the girl to fill that pint-sized gap. Signed at the tender age of 13, the golden-voiced Melbourne schoolgirl has been immaculately groomed for pop stardom. The poor thing...
Her debut album Lessons To Be Learned is aptly titled. Recorded over three years and across three continents (there were sessions in LA, Australia and the UK), it’s a real cover-all-bases collection of songs – traversing multiple musical genres from blues, pop, rock and power balladry.
A decent cover of Martha & The Muffins’ ‘Echo Beach’ aside, all of the songs were written with Brian Higgins and Miranda Cooper – the British duo behind famed production team Xenomania (writers of hits for the likes of Kylie, Girls Aloud and Sugababes). Which probably explains such lyrics as: “I’d like to think like Einstein/Know the equal of pi/And never need to ask why/Why, why boys don’t cry.” (‘Einstein’).
What can you say? Cilmi has an absolutely fabulous voice, but this album is showcasing the work of a talented singer rather than a serious artist. Only time will tell if she’s a young woman of substance (rather than substance abuse)... but Hot Press wishes her well.
Key Track: 'Sweet About Me'